By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has disclosed that the National Identification Number (NIN) generated during the registration for the Bank Verification Number (BVN) cannot be used to link SIM cards of telecommunications subscribers.
Last month, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed GSM service providers to disconnect any phone number on their database not link to NIN from December 31, 2020.
This made many Nigerians to rush to the offices of NIMC across the country to enable them to retain their phone numbers.
Following an outcry from Nigerians, the deadline was shifted to January 19, 2021.
For some who already had their unique 11-digit number, they were given USSD codes they could use to link their SIM cards with the NIN.
Those who got their NINs during the BVN registration were also happy that they will not have to go through the stress of queuing at the NIMC offices, but their hopes were dashed today when the agency said such NINs cannot be used for the purpose.
In a message on Tuesday, NIMC emphasised that those who got their NINs via BVN must go to its offices to complete the registration process.
“If your NIN was generated due to the BVN record harmonisation with the National Identity Database, you will not have the access to the NIMC mobile app and your NIN-SIM integration will be invalid,” the notice from the agency said.
It further emphasised in another message that, “You must complete your NIN registration even if your BVN has generated a NIN.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya